I read your OP and all of your replies and I still stand by my point. Even if it were something optional, very few people would actually use it. For those who wanted it, the novelty would wear off pretty fast when they began to recall exactly why real-time rides sucked and they would probably stop riding too. There is no real variety, fun, or excitement in running to the airship (hoping it doesn't leave right when you get there), waiting for it to depart, and then having to wait another 10-15 minutes for it to reach your destination.
You can simulate that right now: Go to a nation's airship dock, afk for 10 minutes, and then fly to the nation of your choice. Add 15+ extra minutes to simulate missing your ride and having to wait for the ship to come back.
